Vikram Rathour has been chosen as the top preference for the batting coach job of the Indian cricket team. This clearly means that he will be soon be appointed as the batting coach, replacing Sanjay Bangar.

As per the results of the interviews conducted, Rathour is first-preference and is followed by incumbent Sanjay Bangar on the list. Mark Ramprakash, who served as England’s batting coach for five years, is third on the list.

In the bowling department, Bharat Arun is set to retain his job after being adjudged as the top preference for the job. India A and India U-19 coach Paras Mhambrey is second on the list and is followed by Venkatesh Prasad. Arun will continue to coach the Indian cricket team

In the fielding department, R Sridhar is set to retain his job as he was the top preference of the selection panel. Following him on the list is Abhay Sharma, who has previously worked with the Indian team. T Dilip was third on the list.

Surprisingly, there was no Jonty Rhodes in the top three, which comes as a big surprise. Before the start of the interview process, he was expected to replace Sridhar due to his credentials.

The final call to confirm the appointment of these coaches will be made by BCCI. The board will now check with the candidates and ensure that there is no conflict of interest.

Gary Kirsten (Credits: BCCI)

It is to be noted that in 2018, Gary Kirsten was the top choice for the job of women’s team coach but his association with Royal Challengers Bangalore saw him miss out on the job.

The final list presented by selectors also confirms that there will be only one change to Ravi Shastri’s coaching staff as Arun and Sridhar will retain their positions.

Bangar is now set to be replaced by Rathour. The update does not come as a surprise because of a few reasons. India could not find a suitable number 4 batsman for Word Cup and even now, the problem remains.